Episode 5: DFO, Part II

I guess I thought I’d said what I needed to say.  And Jonah thought he understood what I meant.

So, when I got the text from Emma, well, I knew my instructions to Jonah went somehow awry.

Ok, so when my daughter comes to me and tells me that a boy in her class has been inappropriate, rude, & demeaning to her, I had no problem telling her that she has it within her to shut him down in the moment.  Make it clear that his behavior is wrong and offensive and inappropriate.  Why? Because from the time Emma was, basically, a zygote, she was quick.  Not afraid. Verbal. Sharp.

In a word, bossy. 

Now, some of us have been called bossy in our lives, and it’s not usually a compliment.  In our family, though, bossy girls are a celebrated genetic predisposition.  Everyone from Mary Francis, Maxine, & Carolyn to Melissa, Emma, & Camrey.  All bossy, and then some.  Strong & Smart & Brave.

So, when Jonah offered to have a chat with this boy, it wasn’t because Emma was beginning to wilt under the pressure.  She was ready for this kind of confrontation—almost too ready.

So, when I told Jonah he could have a conversation…well…

Ok, the text from Emma: “everybody’s like, did you hear about [name redacted] and what that guy [ie Jonah] said to him like he called him out”

When I read the text, my body went cold.  So, I guess Jonah didn’t pull him aside between classes or motion him over during lunch. 

No, Jonah did something a tad different: He knocked on this kid’s door, during class, and made it clear they needed a chat.  Immediately.  Jonah called him out.  The boy stuttered an incomprehensible question.  Some senior in the high school had barged into fourth period to make sure that cat calling wasn’t going to be tolerated. 

So, did the catcalling stop?  Yes. Immediately.

Did I need to explain to Jonah that his plan, while effective, wasn’t what I had in mind? You bet.

Did I get that conversation with the principal?  No doubt.  Got a good, clear phone call.  This boy isn’t allowed to harass his fellow students—Jonah can’t be the Vigilante of Forest, Virginia.

So, did that settle it?  Well, kinda. 

Emma didn’t actually or absolutely need her brother to lose his mind in the middle of a school day over this boy’s disrespect.  But she sure did appreciate it.  And so did the girls around her, those who might have had to endure a look or a comment or a gesture.

They might not have an older brother, but they might have gained one that day.